"I didn't really hear anything until i basically signed the contract, it came out of the blue.

"They (West Brom) put a bid in and I thought I would end up in Birmingham, but now I'm in London, back home."

Antonio added that instead of listening to transfer rumours in the papers, he learned of West Brom's interest after they made a bid, and Nottingham Forest were required to notify him.

The Baggies were unsuccessful in meeting Forest's demands, with The Mail reporting the fee West Ham eventually paid was £7 million.

If West Brom had fronted up the cash beforehand they may well have got their man as they appeared to lead the chase before letting West Ham nab him late in the window.

The move appears to have worked out for Antonio despite a slow start, working his way into the side over the past few months, and the Hammers sit in seventh position while West Brom are in 14th position.

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.